Gentlemen Prefer Blondes by Anita Loos; narrated by Amara Jasper | 2021; originally published 1925 | Dreamscape Media | Edition $ 17.55
If any American fictional character of the twentieth century seems likely to be immortal, it is Lorelei Lee of Little Rock, Arkansas, the not-so-dumb blonde who knew that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Outrageous, charming, and unforgettable, she’s become the archetype of the footloose, good-hearted gold digger, with an insatiable appetite for orchids, champagne, and precious stones. Here are her “diaries,” created by Anita Loos in the Roaring Twenties, as Lorelei and her friend Dorothy barrel across Europe meeting everyone from the Prince of Wales to “Doctor Froyd” – and then back home again to marry a Main Line millionaire and become a movie star. In this delightfully droll and witty book, Lorelei Lee’s wild antics, unique outlook, and imaginative way with language shine.
I have to admit that the classic musical film was the entire reason this book was included on my list for Classics Club. Picking up a book just because you enjoyed the movie that was based on it can’t be the worst reason for reading, though. Honestly, I’m not sure if there are any really bad reasons for reading!
The story, in the form of a diary, follows a ditzy wannabe socialite and her friend as they romp around 1920’s New York City, London, and Paris with the aim of getting as many sparkly things as possible out of the men who haplessly cross their paths.
This story was simply good fun. It’s the kind of book that’s entertaining without being too demanding, and funny without being too provocative. The narrator’s constant malapropisms combined with continual social misunderstandings — often obviously purposeful, but always played innocently — add up to a kind of delightfully terrible gold-digger of the Jazz Age, a silly character who is probably cringeworthy but whom you just can’t help but root for.
I would recommend this book to readers who might like a fun break from your daily grind in the form of a little light-hearted, girly comedy.
Links:
- Obituary for Anita Loos in The New York Times
- IMDb profile for Anita Loos
- Profile of Anita Loos in the Women Film Pioneers Project from Columbia University Libraries
Publication information: Loos, Anita. Gentlemen prefer blondes. Holland, OH: Dreamscape Media, 2021. Audiobook.
Source: Public library, via Hoopla.
Disclaimer: I am not compensated, monetarily or otherwise, for reviews of books or other products.
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